Newsome has been HORRIBLE . From what I read, when Newsome signed his last deal in 2013 it was 5 years and was going to be his last before he retired. They built into it a transition for the next guy to become the GM (forget his name). That transition is starting now. Apparently this was all planned out in 2013

So the strategy is to do what the Steelers did before. Assemble a championship caliber team sans QB, somehow suck for a season, draft a franchise QB, then win a couple super bowls before his C2 kicks in.

So the strategy is to do what the Steelers did before. Assemble a championship caliber team sans QB, somehow suck for a season, draft a franchise QB, then win a couple super bowls before his C2 kicks in.

Worked for the Steelers. Worked for Seattle. Worked for Philly.

_________________"If Stupidity got us into this mess, then why can't it get us out?" - Will Rogers

For GMs, look at their performance AFTER they sign a franchise QB. Money is now tighter for those FA. The draft is far more important. Harder to handle draft mistakes.

That may have been true 5 years ago. But the cap has been going up so much in recent years that not many difference-makers in FA are hitting the open market. So it's all about the draft now (and franchise QB), and the occasional above-average FA that slips thru the cracks.

Leveon Bell-types just don't hit the open market, unless they are the rare Leveon Bell who takes the tag twice so he can become a FA (which, if I was a player, is probably the correct EV play). With the declining tv ratings, all this could be changing and the caps could stagnate and FA pick-up again as a result.

For GMs, look at their performance AFTER they sign a franchise QB. Money is now tighter for those FA. The draft is far more important. Harder to handle draft mistakes.

That may have been true 5 years ago. But the cap has been going up so much in recent years that not many difference-makers in FA are hitting the open market. So it's all about the draft now (and franchise QB), and the occasional above-average FA that slips thru the cracks.

Leveon Bell-types just don't hit the open market, unless they are the rare Leveon Bell who takes the tag twice so he can become a FA (which, if I was a player, is probably the correct EV play). With the declining tv ratings, all this could be changing and the caps could stagnate and FA pick-up again as a result.

It is still about managing the cap after the franchise player. How many 1st and 2nd round C$2 are able to be played? The Steelers have not had the dip that the Chargers or the Giants have had. Their drafts have kept them afloat. Even the Packers have had 1 year in the past 10 where they drafted top 10. The Ravens fell off the pedestal after signing Flacco. Miss on those drafts and the money for FA piles up to make up for the failed picks.

The Steelers will need a correction soon. I hope they let Bell walk as it is better for the team in the long run. But they will not.

_________________"If Stupidity got us into this mess, then why can't it get us out?" - Will Rogers

Their drafts have kept them afloat. Even the Packers have had 1 year in the past 10 where they drafted top 10. The Ravens fell off the pedestal after signing Flacco.

True, although with BAL the problem is they paid Flacco like a franchise guy, and he sucks PLUS been really hurt. Eli has always been up-and-down and has never been impressive or great, even in his 2 SB runs.

PIT has not drafted particularly well, however they HAVE drafted well enough to fill those 8-9 high paid slots around a HOF QB. Those 8-10 guys are able to carry them and cover up other weaknesses. But either coaching, drafting or both those other jimmy's-and-joe's are why they don't go deeper in the playoffs.

The guys who are really overrated are the ones with Rivers, Brees and Rodgers. Especially Brees and Rodgers - you play in the NFC, don't have Ben/Brady/Peyton to worry about and you've only won 2 NFC championships combined?!?

Their drafts have kept them afloat. Even the Packers have had 1 year in the past 10 where they drafted top 10. The Ravens fell off the pedestal after signing Flacco.

True, although with BAL the problem is they paid Flacco like a franchise guy, and he sucks PLUS been really hurt. Eli has always been up-and-down and has never been impressive or great, even in his 2 SB runs.

PIT has not drafted particularly well, however they HAVE drafted well enough to fill those 8-9 high paid slots around a HOF QB. Those 8-10 guys are able to carry them and cover up other weaknesses. But either coaching, drafting or both those other jimmy's-and-joe's are why they don't go deeper in the playoffs.

The guys who are really overrated are the ones with Rivers, Brees and Rodgers. Especially Brees and Rodgers - you play in the NFC, don't have Ben/Brady/Peyton to worry about and you've only won 2 NFC championships combined?!?

Saints had one of the best drafts in a long time this past year. They may have turned the corner.